Posted on Sun, 24 Jul 2011
Clinique Launches Latest BB Cream
The B B Cream revolution that swept Asia by storm over two years ago has reached America (finally). And I was pleasantly surprised when Clinique invited me to review their best seller, a tube of their latest Age Defence BB Cream with SPF 30/PA +++.
Ee Waun had first taste, tried it and asked me why it was so light and thin (liquid) in texture. ‘Its not a foundation’ was my reply. And rightly so. If anything, I would dare say that this product would be perfectly placed as a ‘primer’ rather than as a ‘B B Cream’. What’s the big difference you ask? A ‘primer’ is used before foundation and to smooth over the skin’s imperfections in order to even out the tone. It usually lends that dewy and flawless fresh face appeal before your serious make up goes on. B B Cream has skin regenerative properties and is lighter and less likely to clog pores than the harshness of regular foundation.
In my humble opinon, when it comes to Asian skin, the Koreans have the formulation right – from a texture that is suitable to our climate, right down to shade. But having said that if you are porcelain fair and have relatively few blemishes that a good cover stick can cleverly conceal, then this might still make it for you.
To trial test it, I first toned, moisturised and then concealed all the obvious blemishes and then afterwards applied it like I would, a lightweight B B Cream. I was extremely surprised by the very fair shade that looked initially way too fair for my more sallow complexion. However after I patted on my loose powder, I began to appreciate the fact that it did a good job providing a base and hold for the makeup the way a regular foundation base would and that shade had no impact whatsover on the final finish.
In fact the cream which was fairly runny and liquid did a good job too of concealing any obvious open pores and was relatively long wearing. The final effect was a transluscent and light coverage that offered a nice dewy and youthful finish to a relatively natural and nude day time look.
However as far as a purchasing decision goes, my immediate instinct would be to use this product as a primer if I wanted carry off a more polished and made up look. I would apply it after toning and moisturising under a heavier foundation and on areas like under the eyes where there are fine lines and onto the forehead and chin area. The multi-polarised pigments in this ‘perfecting cream’ blur imperfections whilst offering the extra benefit of UVA and UVB protection.GO try! Now available at all Clinique counters.
